Harry Mark Burns Jr. trained at the Joffrey School of Ballet, the School of American Ballet, and New York University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Following his degree, he joined the Dance Theatre of Harlem, where he performed extensively over a decade, eventually achieving the rank of soloist and teaching in their educational outreach program.

Burns then became a principal dancer with Collage Dance Collective and The Georgia Ballet, also serving as a teacher with both companies. He has been a guest artist with Complexions Contemporary Ballet and Brooklyn Ballet. Throughout his career, Burns has performed leading roles choreographed by George Balanchine, Alonzo King, Alvin Ailey, John Alleyne, Dwight Rhoden, and William Forsythe.

Today, Burns continues to have a thriving teaching career, focusing on education within his local community in Atlanta, Georgia.